Ingredients
For the shortbread: 2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup (2 sticks) cold salted butter, cut into small cubes 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For the topping: 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter 1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 2 tablespoons chopped salted peanuts
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Using a pastry blender or a fork, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, caramel topping, and sea salt until smooth. Spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the shortbread. Sprinkle with the chopped peanuts. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow the shortbread to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1 bar Amount per serving: Calories: 255 Total fat: 15 g Saturated fat: 8 g Trans fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 32 mg Sodium: 160 mg Total carbohydrate: 27 g Dietary fiber: 1 g Sugars: 15 g Protein: 4 g
Variations
This recipe can easily be customized to suit your tastes. For example, you can substitute the peanut butter with any nut butter of your choice. You can also use different types of nuts for the topping, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts. You can also add some chocolate chips to the topping for a sweet and salty combination.
Storing
These shortbread bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
These salted caramel and peanut butter shortbread bars are a great accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea. They can also be served as a dessert or as a snack. For an extra special treat, try serving them with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Conclusion
Salted caramel and peanut butter shortbread is an easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet caramel and salty peanut butter is irresistible. Plus, the shortbread is buttery and crumbly, making it a truly delicious dessert. Whether you serve it as a snack or a dessert, these shortbread bars are sure to be a hit!